Now, it was Colonel Vazeryth and Zhyravel who felt Anthony's words like a bomb detonating in their minds.
Both froze, stunned, for a brief moment.
"Lieutenant Anthony… What do you mean, you decline?"
Colonel Vazeryth's voice trembled, his usual composure unraveling.
"This is something even someone with your backing couldn't possibly acquire"
His calm demeanor had evaporated, replaced by disbelief.
The grin that had once graced Zhyravel's face had long since vanished.
This was the first time someone had ever turned down one of his offers.
But then, as if teetering on the edge of madness, the grin returned, wider, darker.
His voice dripped with a cold, unsettling excitement.
"The fact that you still decline... means you indeed have secrets. Far too many secrets. I can't wait to see what lies hidden within that body of yours"
And as he spoke, the madness began to seep into his words.
In an instant, Zhyravel's demeanor transformed.
